Moynahan reflects on distinguished firefighting career

ELIOT, Maine — The year is 1962. Astronaut John Glenn is the first American to orbit the Earth. The previous day, Gerald Moynahan became a member of the Eliot Fire Department.

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By Mark Pechenik

seacoastonline.com

By Mark Pechenik

Posted Jan. 7, 2013 at 2:00 AM

By Mark Pechenik
Posted Jan. 7, 2013 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

ELIOT, Maine — The year is 1962. Astronaut John Glenn is the first American to orbit the Earth. The previous day, Gerald Moynahan became a member of the Eliot Fire Department.

And while America's first orbital space flight is now a matter of history, Moynahan is still on the job.

Asked to reflect on his 51 years of service, Moynahan responded with a smile. "I guess that whatever I'm doing, I'm doing it right," he said.

It would seem Moynahan's fellow firefighters agree, as evidenced by his election to a 25th term as Eliot's assistant fire chief.

"Gerry has been an invaluable friend to myself and the department," said Fire Chief Jay Muzeroll. "I rely on him to keep me departmentally grounded and reminded of what and who we are. He is forever the mother hen to all of us."

Over the years, Moynahan has answered countless calls to service. While most have had favorable outcomes — a home saved from a blaze or motorists rescued from an accident scene — troubled memories can persist.

"There was one house fire where a mother and her adult son were lost," he recalled. "We could see the mother in the front doorway but we couldn't reach her" because of the intensity of the flames, he said.

Then there was the young girl who, while riding her bicycle, was the victim of a hit-and-run accident.

"For volunteer (firefighters), day jobs can take their minds off such calls," Moynahan said. "But for the regulars who are here most of the time, it can be tough — it can be hard to sleep for a few days."

Moynahan has witnessed considerable change during his years with the fire department.

"Firefighting has gotten a lot more complex," he said. "The equipment, especially, is more advanced.

"Years ago, our water tank truck held 750 gallons of water — we now have one that holds 3,000 gallons," he said. "And everything from coats to boots offers better protection."

Today, the Eliot Fire Department goes beyond fighting fires.

"We answer an average of 200 calls a year," Moynahan said. "And many of those calls deal with alarms, persons in medical distress or accidents."

However, these other types of aid do not mean extinguishing blazes is no longer a priority for the fire department.

"It's just that people are more aware about fire safety," said Moynahan, adding there are also fewer fires.

Moynahan can take some credit for this awareness. He regularly visits schools and community groups, educating youngsters and adults about preventing accidental incineration in the home and workplace.

As the department's safety officer, Moynahan also focuses on professional preparedness.

"I've had some guys ask me why they need to wear eye shields, and I tell them, 'If your eyesight is important to you, you have to wear the shields,'" he said.

"After an alarm, as long as I can get everybody back safe and sound, that's what counts," he added.

Asked what motivates him after more than five decades of service, Moynahan is quick to answer. "It's the camaraderie here," he said. "It's great to be part of a process that gets everyone working effectively together."